[turnpike boy]

Huh.

He's local. You've known him a bunch of years. His shop is equipped. He clearly has clientele, who are not unhappy. He also clearly has practiced, at least 20 years, at his craft. He has done FE's, albeit a while ago.

Jim Dove is qualified to pass judgment on what it takes to do an FE....but he may be talking apples to oranges. Somehow I don't think you are looking for an all-out FE, rather a street car engine. Yes?

Your guy might not get all the hp out of the engine that a Jim Dove might, but I'm thinking you would get a well-made, reliable motor that will make all the power you will want.